05x03 - Never Stop Graduating

[bunniefuu]

- ["Destination" by Nickel Creek playing]
- ♪ You don't owe me ♪

♪ One more minute of your wasted time ♪

♪ You act like it's all fine ♪

♪ It isn't hard to leave ♪

♪ Knowing that I'll be getting life
On track ♪

♪ I wanted to believe ♪

♪ I've gotta make a destination ♪

♪ Find where I belong ♪

♪ This time I've got no hesitation ♪

♪ I'll be movin' on ♪

♪ To where I belong ♪

♪ I'll be movin' on ♪

♪ Over the line I've drawn ♪

♪ I'm already gone ♪

[music fades]

[gentle music playing]

Morning, sweetheart.

Sorry again about the late night.

I'm glad you got to meet Courtney.

She's been dying
to put your beautiful face to your name.

- How'd you sleep?
- Cereal's on the counter.

[melancholy music playing]

[melancholy music ends]

You know, I am just tickled

that you still have
the stamina and the strength

to dive into a canal
and fish out a wayward bicycle.

You clearly take your work very seriously.

In fact, I struggle to remember a time
when you spoke of anything else.

Getting a… a business off the ground is--

This is Annie's graduation weekend.

Everything for the next two days
is about Annie.

No work.

- No work talk.
- [cell phone vibrating]

[cell phone continues vibrating]

And absolutely no work calls.

[cell phone continues vibrating]

[exhales deeply] How's it going?

Still needs to cool.

Fruit compote.
I'll make a cheesecake tonight.

There's no need for a fancy dessert.

I like to keep things simple.

My characterization of my family

may have been somewhat
and unnecessarily dramatic.

It feels quite necessary for you to share
and for me to understand.

This is one of my wedding to-do lists.
Should I write "decipher Erik's family"?

My parents are good people.

So is my brother.

They're just particular. Exacting.

Remember the napkins you liked
so much at our last visit?

Yeah, the ones with the bluebell flowers
around the edges? They're gorgeous.

Those are second-visit napkins.

Brought out for guests
they're pleased to see a second time.

They have a napkin, china plate,
wine glass for every occasion and guest.

That's the Whitley way.

Is this where you get
your passionate attention to detail?

It is a family trait.

Victor may have inherited
a larger portion than I did.

Then it must be challenging
to manage such specific expectations.

And yet… yet
I've never seen the effort before.

Out of respect and love for all involved,
I try to keep it to myself.

But now, the wedding.

And I don't want it to cause stress
for anyone, especially not for you.

So what can I do to help?

[Erik chuckles]

I've been in a very particular
training program since the cradle.

I got this.

All right.

What could come our way
that we can't handle together?

[sentimental music playing]

[Helen chuckles]

[lips smack]

[sentimental music ends]

[in British accent] Fuel.

For the champions of the bard.

[Max] Thanks.

- I'll be upstairs if you need anything.
- Okay.

[Cal chuckles]

I appreciate your optimism, Maddie,

but there's no way
we get everything on this list.

No, I know. Now we need to come up
with less expensive alternatives.

This is about give and take.

Show them
that we can collaborate and pivot.

And we're gonna be bargaining
with Peggy and Miss Henrietta.

We'll be bargaining in good faith.

Max, tell Mom about your original concept
for Taming of the Shrew.

Steampunk.

Wild costumes,
full rock band, apocalyptic sets.

Marvelous but expensive.

But… I can pivot.

- What did you love about steampunk?
- The grit.

The attitude.

The hair.

Well, grit and attitude are free.

And hair is the cost
of a brush and some gel.

Maybe the sets could be
more deconstructed than constructed.

Maybe if we went more postapocalyptic
than steampunk.

[doorbell ringing]

Keep brainstorming.

What if the sets aren't real?

Hold on, I'm all for collaborating,
but you've lost me.

We could project pictures
onto a… a wall or curtain instead.

[door closes]

Cool. If it's fabric on a frame,
we could rotate as needed.

Check it out.

Oh my stars, Deb! These are beautiful.

A very special delivery, Maddie.

[scoffs] I can't imagine.

There's a card.

Take care.

[gentle music playing]

[door closes]

I'll be right there, Kyle.

Nope, it's just me.

Wow, what a bouquet.

That's not me.

He's not coming.

"Mom, sorry I can't make it home."

"Miss you. Love you. Ty."

Maddie, I'm so…

- It's not just me.
- [car door closes]

- It's the family. It's graduation. It's…
- [car engine starting]

Annie.

Yes.

Annie.

[melancholy music playing]

Come on.

Annie…

I never thought that he wouldn't…

I wanna say the right thing,

to bring you comfort,
but… I don't know how.

I am so disappointed, and I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry that… this blindsided you.

At Christmas,
he said we'd find a way to make it work,

but he left early

then promised to come back
for spring break

but didn't.

Same for prom. [exhales]

Same for graduation.

He's not being fair

to me or you or anyone here.

So I just texted him

to thank him for the flowers and

tell him I'm done.

Why do we say happy ending?

Endings aren't happy.

Annie. Oh.

[melancholy music ends]

Morning, Erik.

Morning, Cal. Isaac.

- Something going on here?
- We have task envy.

- Hmm.
- Hm.

Excuse me?

Helen's attendants have been assigned
wedding tasks.

We also want tasks.

You're very kind,
but I have everything under control.

[Cal] What kind of suits are we wearing?
Jumpsuits?

[Isaac] Wetsuits?

[Cal] Catsuits.

I was thinking white tie.

Task one, learn to tie a real bow tie.

Check. Task two.

Oh.

You may plan the bachelor party.

- [Isaac] Let's go!
- [Cal] Yes!

- I have so many basically legal ideas.
- I beg you both, do not go overboard.

No boats. Got it.

We should loop in the third groomsman.

Yeah, I just spoke to my brother,
and he's in,

but we should do the bachelor party
before he arrives.

This isn't really Victor's kind of fun.

Huh.

Fine. Plug your ears.
We have planning to do.

- Don't listen.
- [whispering] Turn around.

[June] When do we finally grow up?

My father said
it's when you start paying taxes.

[crowd laughs]

My mother said it's when you realize
how smart your parents are.

[Dana Sue chuckles]

But, dear students and families,
let me ask you,

what if it's a lifelong process?

Every obstacle and victory,
heartbreak and joy tests us.

But it can also teach us.

Now, I cannot promise
that your journey will be smooth.

In fact,
you'll find that life challenges us

in new and interesting ways all the time.

For instance, going into labor

during your Christmas Eve sermon
in this very spot.

[crowd laughs]

But in that moment,
I learned to lean on those I love,

to trust my community and my Lord.

And I encourage you to do the same.

No matter what surprises
might come your way,

have the strength and faith
to learn, adjust, and keep going.

Be humble in victory
and gracious in defeat.

Be just as inspired by your mistakes
as you are by your successes.

And I say this not to just the students
but to the parents too.

Graduation opens a new chapter for all.

And if we walk with faith,
if we walk together,

we never need fear the story that follows.

If we live with open minds
and open hearts,

we never stop graduating.

- Amen?
- [crowd] Amen.

[June] Amen.

I now ask our about-to-be graduates

to please stand and be celebrated
by your family, friends, and community.

[applause and cheers]

[sentimental music playing]

Feeling a little blue?

First, Ty graduates
and goes off to chase his dreams.

Now Annie.

Next year, Kyle.

I swear they were babies 15 minutes ago.

And just… It's making me think.

And dream.

You're in the soup.

I'm a little afraid
to ask what that means. [laughs]

Uh, Katie and I were studying
the life cycle of butterflies.

Humans only see caterpillar and butterfly.

We can't watch inside the chrysalis
as it turns into caterpillar soup

on its way to butterflyhood.

The caterpillar has to lose itself

to become the butterfly
it was meant to be.

Sounds messy.

Yes, but I myself… live in the soup.
[chuckles]

I've gone from athlete
to coach to restaurant owner,

and my favorite form yet,

husband and dad.

With results like this, I intend
to get soupy as often as necessary.

[chuckles]

Okay.

What kind of soup are we gonna be in?

Hmm.

- Clam chowder.
- Mmm.

New England style.

How dare you!
You know we're a Hatteras family.

[Cal chuckles, kisses]

[sentimental music ends]

- [man] Oh, sorry.
- Oh, I… [chuckles]

You, uh, probably wanna hold on to that.

[romantic music playing]

- It's a piece of your personal history.
- I thought it was a piece of my future.

The past is, uh…
is an important part of the future.

Everything we were
informs everything we'll be.

I didn't know Pastor June
invited a poet to the baccalaureate.

- No. [chuckles]
- [Annie chuckles]

- Um…
- Congratulations, Annie.

And, look, you've met our grandson Noah.

Oh, I… I didn't realize.

[Noah] Yeah, I'm just here for the summer,

working with David Fairchild
on marshland conservation.

Are you an ornithologist too?

A cartographer, actually,
and a… program rescuer.

[Annie laughs]

- [Kyle] Annie!
- [Lily] Annie!

Take a picture.

Oh, are those pepperoni pinwheels?

Lily's mom made them.
I hear they're going fast.

- Ooh.
- But first, come here.

I want you to meet some people.

- Come on!
- Come on!

[gentle music playing]

I better grab this before it ends up
on top of your snack tower. [chuckles]

- I didn't have breakfast.
- Aw.

How are you, Miss Paula?

Oh, delighted.

Jimmy's back in town, and I've been asked
to plan a dinner for the Bike Barn family.

I'm happy to set that up.

Mmm. I'd hate to put more on your plate.
[chuckles]

Jimmy just wants to celebrate.

I wanted to say, personally,

that I am so happy
that this is the one that stuck.

What stuck?

Oh, I only meant that Courtney
seems to have had a run of bad luck

in her previous business ventures.

This one must be the charm, or

maybe you're the charm. [chuckles]

- [Annie] Say "happy grad"!
- [both] Happy grad!

[camera shutter clicks]

[cell phone ringing]

[cell phone continues ringing]

Hi! I didn't expect…

[melancholy music playing]

You've gotta be kidding me.

Yeah.

[phone line clicks off]

I can't imagine
how emotional this weekend is for you.

[chuckles wryly]

I heard a rumor that they grow up
whether you want them to or not.

[both chuckle]

I've been Annie's mother for so long, it's

hard to imagine who I'll be
when she leaves.

I realize
I'm barely out of the starting blocks

in the motherhood marathon,

but you do have a lifetime
with Annie ahead of you.

Still,

it's hard to be the one left behind.

Aw.

I don't believe that young woman
has it in her to leave anyone behind.

The circumstances will change,

but the love

won't.

[chuckles softly]

I didn't realize
you had such a sweet tooth.

Oh, I'm… I'm returning 'em.

Yeah. Katie got carried away,

but I don't want her to develop
a reputation of a cookie thief.

Especially at church.

You're a wonderful brother.

You know, she might even
start missing you this time next year.

Yeah, yeah, next year. I can't even.

My therapist, Dr. Theodore,
has been encouraging me

to be curious rather than anxious.

You know, hope for good things
rather than brace for bad.

Ask "why not" instead of "what if."

One of the hardest parts of moving forward

is deciding which parts of the past
to leave behind

and which to carry with you
because they give you strength.

[sentimental music playing]

Or represent someone you love.

[sentimental music ends]

Oh Lord. I know that look.
You have a cause.

We have a proposal.

Maddie, I haven't even had a chance
to go outside and get…

[sighs]

The two of you here together.

I know what this is about.

You want the play to happen.
So do I, but we don't have the money.

- How thorough is your proposal?
- Henrietta!

There are two ways
to avoid a Maddie-induced headache.

Three ibuprofen and a banana
or hearing her out.

I don't see bananas on that plate.

Max is an amazing, innovative director.

Maddie knows how to do a lot
on a very small budget.

Together, we can significantly reduce
the cost of the play.

Just let us share our plan.

Let's talk on Monday.

- That's when rehearsals start.
- Tomorrow.

If we let you down, I will buy
the ibuprofen and banana myself.

Tomorrow.

After worship. Town hall.

[tapping]

Bring coffee.

- Yes, ma'am.
- Thank you.

Thank you.

- [upbeat music playing]
- Whoo!

[Max chuckles]

[Henrietta chuckles]

- [camera shutter clicks]
- [upbeat music ends]

- Oops.
- Oh. Smile, Aunt Helen.

Oh, no, no.
Not before I refresh my lipstick.

And you.

You should be experiencing the moment,
not recording it.

Don't be an observer this summer.
You be present.

For the people who love you
and for yourself.

You understand?

- Yes, Aunt Helen.
- Yes. There you go.

[both chuckle]

[both chuckle]

Go on.

[chuckles]

[sentimental music playing]

{\an8}Peanut butter gets them every time.

{\an8}[Dana Sue] You think that's the varmint
that's been in our walls?

- One of them, anyway.
- There could be more?

They rarely travel alone.

[Bailey] And it's nesting season.

There could be babies?

- Where did you put this trap?
- Outside the back door of the Bellwether.

The traps closest to our door are empty.
Not even a cat, which you'd expect.

The Bellwether
could have holes in the eaves.

The raccoons get in there
then into our walls.

Clark Bellson.

It's not bad enough he has
a revolving door of businesses

and two storefronts but now this?
I think I should have a chat with him.

Absolutely not.

The last time you had a chat with Clark,
it nearly turned into a brawl.

- You two have history?
- [Dana Sue] Only back to third grade.

That book report stealing,
apple-polishing son of a…

varmint.

Erik and I will speak to Clark.

In the meantime, we need to turn
our attention to today's customers

and tomorrow's graduation party.

Everyone back inside,
except for the raccoon.

Bailey, can you stow him
in your truck for now?

Of course, Chef.

Come on, Percy.
Let's get you into the truck.

[dramatic music playing]

Doesn't naming him
make it harder to let him go?

- You are gonna let him go, right?
- [raccoon squeals]

[Bailey grunts]

You're okay.

[Dana Sue] So we need to chat with Clark.

Mmm. You two better get an umpire.

- Not that we're volunteering.
- No.

[all chuckle]

Pour it out.

Pour it out.

[Helen, Dana Sue] Mm.

Why are you eyeing my living room, Maddie?

Brownies. Where are you hiding them?

Girl, we are brownie-less.

Erik has been preoccupied.

He finally asked his brother
to be a groomsman,

but… I hadn't realized how worried he is
about all his family's opinions

on… on the entire wedding.

Bill was the same.

- [Helen] Yeah?
- Yes.

He would turn the whole house over
before a visit just to please Bonnie.

I could see the little boy in him
seeking approval.

I see that little boy in Ronnie.
So desperate to please.

- And in Ty.
- Ugh.

Dana Sue, how's Annie?

Oh, did I, um… did I forget the salsa?

I don't mean to meddle,
and I don't mean to make things worse,

but I just want you to know that I…
I care about how she's doing,

and I'm truly sorry.

[Dana Sue] Oh, me too.

We thought they were sweet together,
but it was never up to us.

And I appreciate your concern,
but I'm proud of how she handled it.

Well, he handled it poorly,
and I told him so. He knows better.

[scoffs] How did I not see this coming,
and both you and Annie did?

You're his mother. You're his biggest fan.

As someone who knows what it's like
to have you as their fan,

I understand
why he didn't want that to change.

I'm still sorry that what we hope for most
isn't always what we get.

[chuckling] When in heaven's name
is it ever?

[Maddie] Dana Sue?

I lost the Wilkinson place.

- Oh, Dana Sue.
- [Dana Sue] Outbid.

Ruth called after the baccalaureate,
and the frustration is crushing my heart.

Ronnie is so busy,
and Annie's so happy, and here I am.

Losing sight of myself
as I lose sight of this dream.

No, no, no. No, no, no. No. Hold on.

Let us help you.

How?

Dana Sue, you are beautiful
and intelligent and powerful.

Do not define or limit yourself
by the current status of your next goal.

That's a pretty idea.

[Helen] It's a plan, Dana Sue.

It's what Maddie just did.

Lucas destroyed her dream job,

and she picked up the pieces
and kept going.

[Maddie] Well, that's not quite accurate.

You two helped me pick up the pieces,
and you gave me hope.

Let us do that for you, Dana Sue.

Hope has power in it,
especially when we hope together.

Can't build a teaching kitchen on hope,
though, can I?

There are other properties.

Everything Ruth has found
is too large or too far from Serenity.

If there were another business in there,
you could get a larger space.

[scoffs] I can't add another business.

Maybe I can.

- [gasps]
- A marketing office?

Or something related.

I'm letting the soup… simmer a little bit.

Can we really do it?

Hey, hey! Not like this.

When have we ever done
anything fun without me?

[all laugh]

But your wedding.

[Helen] Not to worry.

Anything is possible
when we combine our powers.

At least consider it, please?

I am so blessed
to have spent my life as your friend.

- [sentimental music playing]
- Both of you.

And I pray daily
Annie has such sisters of the soul.

[Helen] She does,

and I believe that they are currently
painting the town Serenity blue.

[Dana Sue laughs]

[door closes]

[sniffs and exhales deeply]

[sniffs]

[exhales deeply]

[sniffs]

Thanks for letting me come rummage.

This is still your house,
my dear landlord.

- [Erik chuckles]
- [sentimental music ends]

If I take one more box out of here,

I may be considered
officially moved in with Helen.

And what would you call
the last six months?

Bliss.

Well, here is to domestic bliss
graduating to wedded bliss.

[chuckling]

[glasses clink]

Thought I should put a few up
at Helen's before my parents arrive.

Is this a series of family portraits?

Mm.

We take one at every birthday,
holiday, celebration.

This is my parents'


- My parents.
- [sentimental music playing]

My niece Jessica, she must be 19 now.

And me and my brother Victor in white tie,

which is why I was thinking of it
for you groomsmen.

Excellent choice.

I will look amazing in this.

Oh, good. I was worried
you wouldn't stand out at my wedding.

[chuckles] You'll also be dashing,
I'm sure.

This really is a great look.

If we stare hard enough, you think
Babe Ruth will appear in the lineup?

Don't need him. This is a solid team.
We can cream Castlewood.

Oh, what more
could a Serenity girl ask for?

It's more what I want from you.

- Huh.
- Name it.

Marketing.

That is not what I was expecting.

I said we can cream Castlewood.

From what I hear,
their secret weapon is crowd support.

We need to get so many Bulldogs
in the stands,

we drown out the Cavaliers.

That's where you come in.

Oh, I'm flattered,

but I… I market books, not baseball.

I wouldn't know the first thing about--

I need your marketing prowess.
I can hold up the baseball end of it.

All right.

But I am just pinch-hitting.
I have other things to focus on.

I'll say.

You've come home from Margarita Night
with a twinkle in your eye.

Anything to share?

Soon.

But first,
you need to give me some insight.

What was your earliest memory of baseball?

What got you hooked?

Easy.

I was five years old,
and I got my first pack of baseball cards.

It was like having action figures
of my favorite players.

I would arrange them on the floor
in their positions and create my own team.

And then when I got my own card, wow.
The picture was me diving for the ball.

I looked like a superhero.

[both chuckle]

Well, I bet you
the alumni players would love cards.

We could sell them
to raise money for the parks department

while building buzz around the game.

What do you think?

Who's the hero now?

Hmm.

[pen clicking]

[sentimental music ends]

Ronnie.

Did you wrap Annie's graduation present?

Uh, what's better,
"expedition" or "odyssey"?

I cannot believe
you are doing this right now.

May I remind you once again
that our daughter is graduating tomorrow?

That's why I need to finish
so I can wrap her present.

[melancholy music playing]

[door slams closed]

- [exhales deeply]
- [melancholy music ends]

Bright star
Would I were steadfast as thou art

Not in lone splendor
Hung aloft the night--

Kyle.

I love Keats, Shakespeare, all of them.

AP English, yay.

But…

I have to ask why.

Why what?

Why so much drama and poetry
and so little Kyle lately?

Is this part of
getting ready for the play, or…

is…

something else going on?

I've been trying since Christmas

to respect that…
that you don't want big showy moments.

But as we get closer to you leaving,

I still have so much to say,
and my words don't do any of it justice.

I thought that…
great poets would be a more

acceptable way of elevating
what my heart feels.

What does your heart feel?

I love you.

Simple, beautiful, no elevation necessary.

[romantic music playing]

I love you, but you worry too much.

[chuckles]

- I'm an overthinker by nature.
- [Lily chuckles] Overthink the good stuff.

Dissect how fun the play is going to be.

Analyze how True Brew
needs to start serving milkshakes

until Wharton's reopens.

[both chuckle]

Ponder how much more
we'll love each other a month from now,

a year from now.

How many quotes
did you just consider and hold back?

[imitating Count von Count]
Two perfect quotes. Ah, ah, ah.

[both laugh]

Three perfect quotes. Ah, ah, ah.

[imitating Count von Count]
Uh, one perfect kiss. Ah, ah, ah.

[both laugh]

[romantic music ends]

[Annie] Nice robe, Mom.

[Dana Sue] Oh.

Look who's talking. Give me a spin.

[chuckling] I just thought I'd try it on
before church since…

No way. Rainbow pancakes?
You haven't made these in forever.

Because you had the nerve to grow up

and start asking for things
like yogurt and oatmeal.

Besides, I don't have much time left
to make these for you.

Not that I'm trying to rain
on your graduation day.

I just mean I wanna take advantage
of these meals

and conversations while I can.

Mom, we aren't gonna stop talking
when I go to school.

- We just need to be intentional about it.
- Oh, I will intentionally text you.

[both chuckle]

How about breakfast
once a week on FaceTime?

I'll just be eating
much less delicious cafeteria pancakes.

I could teach you to make these yourself.

Yes. I'll record you
so I don't miss a single step.

I feel like Julia Child.

[imitating Julia Child] Today,
on the Serenity Chef, rainbow pancakes.

[both laugh]

How long do we have until we put
our shoes back on and head to graduation?

[Helen laughs]

Just long enough for me to consider
wearing sneakers to the wedding.

[both laugh]

- [sighs]
- Do they go with white tie?

[Helen laughs]

Do they need to?

I was looking at a family photo, and

they looked so sharp.

[soft dramatic music playing]

Is this level of formality
part of the… the Whitley way?

On important occasions, which this is.

And, you know, they'll still go
with the lovely wedding dresses

you'll choose for your attendants.

[inhales deeply] Who are you trying
to please right now?

Yourself or… or your parents?

Is it wrong to want everyone I love
to be happy on our wedding day?

No, no, it's the same thing I want.

White tie will make my parents happy.

And will that make you happy?

Yes.

Will it make you unhappy?

Just one concession?

Just one.

[Helen] Hm.

[soft dramatic music ends]

Yes to the projections for effects.

Yes to the playhouse for the venue.

But live music, we can't approve.

Oh, well, live music is integral
to the central vision of the play.

Music breathes life into a scene. It's--

Too expensive to hire a band
for three weeks of performances.

What if we went down to two weeks?

[Max sighs]

Cutting it down to two weeks
would cover the cost of the band.

Do you want a long run or an amazing run?

[Henrietta] If you step it down
to two weeks,

we could also give you
an extra cleaning crew

so you aren't picking up trash
after each performance.

[gentle music playing]

Sold.

- So we can start rehearsals tomorrow?
- With our heartfelt blessing.

- [Maddie] Yay.
- [Max] Yes.

[mouthing] Thank you.

[Max] Thank you so much.

- [Peggy] Congratulations.
- [Max] Thanks.

Very nice work today.
We're lucky to have you back.

It's always a pleasure working with you
and Peggy for a good cause.

Oh, I don't mean just the two of us.
Serenity is lucky to have you back.

- [gentle music ends]
- Filet is marinating.

Toast points are toasted.

The mini cheesecakes
need to come out soon.

Do we have bacon
for the bacon-wrapped dates?

[timer dings]

Did I set that
for the sliders or the kebabs?

Neither. That's your timer
to leave for graduation.

- I'm walking out of the kitchen.
- But I need to… I…

[Cal] I'm almost to the bar.

I will handle the party.
You've trained me well.

I'm ready to do this,
but are you ready to let me?

[uplifting music playing]

I'm ready.

And very proud.

[Cal] I'm opening the door.

- All right. Go. Go. Go.
- [Erik] Mm.

You've got his back, Chef,
and we've got yours.

[exhales] Mini cheesecakes, out in five.

[timer ticking]

Hey, hon.

I have to go help at graduation.

- I have to go change for graduation.
- How was the meeting?

The show will go on.

Yes! Thank you. Thank you.

Wait. What should we discuss next?
Costumes and--

This isn't my project. I'm here
if you need me, but Max is running things.

He will need your help
in keeping everyone focused and excited.

Just show him your passion.
The right people will respond.

It's a good thing I've had
such a great example my whole life.

- [car horn honking]
- We gotta go.

Yep.

[upbeat rock music playing]

Sullivans, friends, and family,

in honor of Annie's graduation,

may we present you our newest creation,

"The Annie."

Oh, here. Yeah, yeah.

Annie, this is made with coconut milk

so everything
that comes your way is sweet,

honey for the comfort of home,

and rose so your future may bloom.

And it's a latte, because we love you…

[all] A latte!

[all laugh]

Mmm.

- Tastes like it's made with love.
- Well, then, I want a double.

[all chuckle]

[Dana Sue] You know, I think she's…

Feeling anxious
as a guest at your own restaurant?

I have nothing to be anxious about.

Mini baked brie with jam?

- Yes.
- Oh, yes, please.

Mmm.

This…

is heaven in puff pastry form.

Do not go far, Bailey.

Happy to hover, ma'am.

- These are delicious.
- Mm.

Wouldn't they be wonderful at the wedding?

What if…

what if our entire reception
were passed small plates?

Elegant but casual.

You know, everyone can mingle,

and guests can have as much
of their favorite dishes as they like.

[Erik] Hm.

Come on.

- Just one concession.
- [Erik chuckles]

Soon-to-be-uncle Erik,
may I borrow your fiancée?

How can I say no to the woman of the hour?

- [Annie chuckles]
- Try it.

[Helen chuckles]

[Paula] Which secret society
are we forming?

I'm already a member of several.
Oh, and a leader of one.

[all chuckle]

This is the Society of Annie's Architects.

Mom taught me
it takes a village to raise a child,

but this town truly built me.

Miss Paula.

You taught me to keep my mind open.

Aunt Helen.
You told me to keep my eyes open.

Hmm.

And Aunt Maddie.

The way you love
taught me to keep my heart open.

I don't know how I can ever repay you all.

You already have. Take a look at Katie.

You'd think
she'd be who she is without you?

You're already pouring
into the next generation.

Yeah, and knowing you,

that is a spring that will run eternal.

[Paula] We're all flattered,

but everyone here wants to love on you.

- [Annie chuckles]
- So let's take a turn around the room.

[Paula chuckles]

All right.

Ay yi yi, I love that girl.

Should I know what that's about?

Oh. Two artists bonding.

[sentimental music playing]

Are those happy tears or sad tears?

Or a third type of tears?

Everything. I'm feeling it all.

- I'm sure.
- As you should.

- Joy. Pride.
- [Dana Sue inhales deeply]

Nostalgia. Excitement.

Maybe a little sadness
for how fast they grow.

But most importantly, a whole lot of love.

[Dana Sue sniffs]

It's only been 18 years,
and think of all she's done.

I'm so happy for you, Annie.

- Thanks.
- I can't believe you're graduating.

But think of all she'll do.

[sentimental music ends]

I've spent just as much time
at Sullivan's and Friends as Annie has.

I've had at least
four birthday parties here.

I think you'll agree it's only fair
to make a drink called "The Katie."

You have a point, but no coffee.

- Yes, coffee.
- [Isaac] Decaf coffee.

Caf coffee.

How about hot chocolate?

- With marshmallows?
- As big as your head.

You should think about
becoming a lawyer like Aunt Helen.

Maybe, but I also want to become
an astronaut, paleontologist,

and invent a new kind of candy.

Amazing plans.

Just be sure
to enjoy each moment along the way.

Will you text my mom
tons of pictures from California?

I'll do you one better. Let's be pen pals.

That way, I can send pictures
directly to you.

[Katie laughs]

Eustice? I haven't seen her for ages.

- I know.
- What's she up to?

Oh, beating me at backgammon for one
and making stunning quilts.

She told me that she learned
to make them with the Art Guild.

- The Art Guild.
- The Art Guild.

Oh, forgive me.
The Art Guild was wonderful.

One-quarter art, one-quarter baking,

one-quarter rivalry,
and three-quarters gossip.

[Grace] And Paula was three-quarters
of the three-quarters gossip.

[Helen laughs]

But truly, the Guild, ah, was delightful.

It fostered community,
taught people new skills,

and showed off the talent of Serenity.

Well, my mother, she was a member
before she left Serenity.

Why did it disband?

- The baking.
- Gossip.

[all laugh]

Well…

[whispering] …should it be revived?

[upbeat pop music playing]

Everyone at Lily's party says hello,
and CeCe and Gabe are right behind me.

Lily sent these for Annie.

- Why didn't we get balloons?
- Because we were worried.

- [popping]
- [all exclaiming]

Um…

[Kyle chuckles nervously]

It's strange… seeing you
on the fringes of a party.

You're usually in the middle of things

You don't wanna miss out
on Annie's big night. It all goes so fast.

Especially when you were gone
for 18 months of it.

You worked hard to give back
to your girls, and you kept at it.

Isn't that what I'm supposed to do?

Work hard, take care of them,

and make sure
they have the life that they want?

[Cal] Whoa, wait.

All I'm saying is, enjoy what you have

and who you have.

Okay?

["Tell the World" by Thomas Cook
& Jimi Ashmore playing]

♪ I've been waiting for this moment
For all my life… ♪

Why did I ever think I needed to leave?
My whole world is here.

You are allowed to want more.

Dana Sue?

I just… needed to hear that.

I worry sometimes I've asked God
for too much, and something has to give.

[Helen] Oh, I know that fear.

But fortunately,

that's not how he works.

We'll make this new adventure a reality,
Dana Sue. And you know what?

It will be just as much,
if not more fun than the spa.

The spa is a service to the community.

Our new thing will be
for our particular passions,

and people will respond to that.

Besides, you know what keeps us young?

Seeking out new challenges.

- New excitement.
- [Maddie] Mm.

Never stop graduating,
just like June said.

We're not already worrying
about staying young, are we?

- No.
- [Helen] No, of course not.

We're just… we're just planning ahead.

- [Dana Sue] Okay.
- Just planning. Yeah.

[Helen laughs]

Dana Sue. It's time.

For…

[Ronnie clears throat]

[whispering] Time for what?

[glass clinking]

Honored guests,
I'd like to say a few words

about Miss Annabelle Lenore Sullivan.

Annie.

Until now, you've traveled
with your mother and me,

but the next leg of your journey is yours.

You may map out your expeditions

or throw caution to the wind
for a surprise odyssey.

[sentimental music playing]

Once upon a time, you were terrified
to take the training wheels off your bike

until I promised to hold
the back of your seat and stay behind you.

Soon, you were riding so well,
I knew it was time to let go.

And, baby girl, you sailed.

Until you looked back for me
and took a hard turn to the curb.

[all chuckling]

[Ronnie] Annie, I tell you today
what I told you then.

Keep riding forward. Don't look back.

Trust your mom and I
are always behind you.

[all clapping]

Hey.

[chuckles]

It's a bike. [chuckles]

[all clapping]

[exhales]

I can't believe how lucky I am
to have grown up with all of you

and to be here with you
in Sullivan's and Friends,

where so many of my…

- [door opens]
- [sentimental music ends]

Wow! You threw me a party
and didn't even know I was coming.

[dramatic music playing]

Jessica?

Hi, Uncle Erik.

[dramatic music ends]

[closing theme music playing]

[closing theme music ends]